In The News

Liam Halligan September 12, 2005
Heeding the private sector's enthusiasm for India and China, Western leaders are now recognizing the growing commercial importance of the Asian giants. Yet political interests do not always align conveniently with economic ones. Earlier this year, the EU, under the leadership of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, placed limits on Chinese textile imports, blocking 80 million euros worth of...
Jonathan Fenby September 8, 2005
September 18, the date of the German elections, marks a crucial moment in European politics. The poll results will reveal whether the burgeoning protest movements will continue to nibble away at the mainstream parties. As Jonathan Fenby writes, moderate left-right political polarity in Europe may be giving way to a more fragmented system. Haunted by the specter of the ‘Polish plumber’ and...
Mark Trumbull September 7, 2005
"In theory," writes Mark Trumbull in The Christian Science Monitor, "as economies open up to commerce, there should be greater equality of opportunities – and incomes." Unfortunately, as Trumbull reports, globalization is not the ultimate cure for poverty, as others may have hoped. While the economies of countries like China and India have certainly blossomed with increased...
Dagnachew Teklu September 7, 2005
Brain drain may claim yet another victim in Africa—the continental airline industry. A recent conference held by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) emphasized the degree to which the loss of highly trained pilots, mechanics and other workers is taking a serious toll on the industry. African air companies invest heavily in education and training for employees, only to see their workforce...
Anand Giridharadas September 2, 2005
As India gains economic strength, its entrepreneurs are acquiring increasing numbers of overseas companies. In the first eight months this year, Indian companies paid US$1.7 billion for 62 foreign businesses, including a German metal forge, a South Korean truck maker, and a British tea company. The Indian as global owner marks a clear reversal for a country with vivid memories of its own...
A. Sheshabalaya August 30, 2005
In recent years, Bangalore has outpaced Silicon Valley in the global innovation race. This is not a temporary blip, writes author Ashutosh Sheshabalaya, but a fast-evolving reality to which the American IT industry must adapt for the long haul. While offshoring is hardly a new phenomenon, it was previously restricted to back-office support functions. This is no longer the case: IBM and Hewlett...
Salil Tripathi August 24, 2005
The firing of 670 workers employed by Gate Gourmet at London's Heathrow Airport has intensified an already heated labor environment. The company is owned by a US investment firm, and union officials hold "mean-spirited capitalists" responsible. According to this Guardian commentary, however, the company's decision was primarily a response to current economic realities. Gate...